The Washington Capitals had a special guest at Capital One Arena for the debut of their new Screaming Eagle third jerseys, and no, respectfully, I’m not talking about the alumni.
Penny the Bald Eagle, a very lively raptor from the American Eagle Foundation, participated in the ceremonial puck drop along with her handler, Mary Beth Gosnell, and former Capitals greats, Peter Bondra, Calle Johansson, and Olaf Kolzig.
Penny made her entrance after the three Capitals legends were announced to center ice, and she got particularly enthusiastic about her introduction by PA announcer Wes Johnson, flapping and hurling herself upside down near the Capitals bench. Penny eventually righted herself and then took a majestic perch on Gosnell’s forearm, looking away and sometimes toward the puck drop.
Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin and Minnesota Wild captain Jared Spurgeon participated in the ceremonial draw. Once Johansson dropped the puck, the leaders of each team shook everyone’s hands — though not Penny’s talons. They made sure to keep a healthy distance from the fierce national bird.
All in all, a pretty amazing moment. And lucky for everyone involved, no injuries were reported, including to Mary Beth’s forearm.
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